Negligent Security

Were you or a loved one harmed in an assault, rape, mugging, or any other physical attack that occurred on someone else’s property? Don’t hesitate to contact a negligent security accident lawyer at Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD.

Illinois property owners are legally obligated to maintain safe premises for individuals entering their property. In certain situations, this responsibility extends to providing adequate security. Suppose a property owner failed to implement proper security measures on their premises, resulting in your injury. In that case, our law firm can assist you in seeking compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We can help you file a negligent security lawsuit based on premises liability.

Learn more about your rights and options for pursuing a claim against negligent property owners or managers who failed to ensure your safety. Contact one of our negligent security accident attorneys today.

If you’ve suffered injuries, call a negligent security accident lawyer at Gardi, Haught, Fischer & Bhosale LTD to begin your case at (847) 944-9400.

Examples of Negligent Security

Negligent security refers to property owners’ or managers’ failure to take reasonable precautions to protect visitors, customers, or tenants from foreseeable harm resulting from criminal acts or other dangerous situations. Here are some examples of negligent security:

Insufficient Lighting: When property owners or managers neglect to provide adequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells, hallways, or other common areas, it increases the risk of visitors, residents, and employees becoming targets for criminals.

Broken or Inadequate Locks: Properties with subpar locks, such as broken or weak mechanisms, make visitors and residents more susceptible to break-ins.

Lack of Surveillance: Failure to install adequate security cameras or provide security personnel in high-risk areas may increase the risks for residents and visitors.

Inadequate Response Protocols: If a property owner lacks procedures to address security incidents promptly, it can exacerbate the risks faced by visitors or residents.

Ignoring Previous Incidents: Property owners who repeatedly fail to respond to previous security breaches or criminal acts on their property are negligent in providing a safe environment.

Neglecting to Screen Employees or Tenants: Inadequate background checks on employees or tenants can result in hiring individuals with criminal histories who may pose risks to others on the premises.

In these cases, property owner’s failure to take reasonable steps to address security concerns may render them liable for the harm or injuries sustained by residents, visitors, and employees on the property.

What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Negligent Security Lawsuit?

Victims of negligent security can pursue damages in a lawsuit against the responsible party. These damages fall into two categories: compensatory and punitive damages. Compensatory damages aim to compensate the victim for losses resulting from the property owner or manager’s negligence.

In Illinois negligent security cases, compensatory damages can include:

Medical Expenses: Compensatory damages can cover medical costs, including hospital bills, surgeries, medication, and ongoing treatments related to injuries. If victims require long-term care or rehabilitation, these expenses are also included in their damage award.

Pain and Suffering: Damages can be awarded to injured victims for physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.

Lost Wages: Victims unable to work due to injuries may be entitled to lost wages and reduced future earning capacity.

Punitive damages, on the other hand, differ from compensatory damages in that they aim to punish the liable party rather than compensate the victim. Punitive damages only apply when the property owner has gross or willful negligence.

The specific damages awarded in each case depend on the circumstances of the incident and the extent of the victim’s injuries. A premises liability attorney experienced in negligent security cases can help accurately determine the damages your case qualifies for.

Determining Liability in a Negligent Security Case

Establishing liability in a negligent security case involves considering several key factors:

Duty of Care: Victims must establish that the property owner or operator owed them a duty of care. In Illinois, property owners are legally obligated to take reasonable measures to provide a safe environment for residents, employees, and lawful visitors.

Foreseeability of Harm: Victims must also prove that the property owner should have reasonably foreseen the risk of criminal activity or harm on the property.

Breach of Duty: Once the duty of care and foreseeability of harm has been established, victims must show that the property owner or manager failed to implement adequate security measures. This could include insufficient lighting, broken locks, lack of surveillance, or inadequate security personnel.

Causation: The property owner’s negligence must have directly caused the victim’s injuries. Liability may be established if the negligent security measures contributed to the incident.

Proximate Cause: The harm must have been a foreseeable consequence of the property owner’s negligence. If the harm was an unforeseeable result of the security breach, the property owner or operator may not be liable.

Proving liability in a negligent security case requires presenting sufficient evidence, witness testimonies, and expert analysis. A premises liability attorney familiar with Illinois laws and regulations can assist victims in navigating the legal system, building a robust case, and pursuing fair compensation for their losses.

Where Do Most Negligent Security Cases Arise?

Negligent security incidents can occur in various places. However, most negligent security cases arise in commercial properties, residential complexes, parking lots, hotels, schools, and public venues.

Negligent Security at Work

Workplace negligent security cases occur when employers fail to implement adequate safety measures to protect employees from foreseeable criminal acts or dangerous conditions. If an employee falls victim to violence or suffers harm due to security failures, they may pursue a negligent security claim against the employer.

Negligent Security in Universities and Colleges

Negligent security claims in colleges and universities arise when institutions fail to establish proper safety measures to protect students, faculty, and visitors from foreseeable harm. If someone is assaulted, robbed, or harmed due to these security lapses, they may bring a negligent security claim against the college or university.

Negligent Security at Hotels and Resorts

Hotels and resorts can be held liable when they fail to take reasonable precautions to ensure guest safety. Guests may pursue negligent security claims against the hotel or resort when harm occurs due to these security failures.

Negligent Security at Apartments and Residential Facilities

Negligent security at apartments and residential facilities refers to property owners or managers failing to provide a safe living environment for residents. Consequently, residents may become vulnerable to burglaries, assaults, or other criminal acts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Negligent Security Lawsuits

What Are Negligent Security Laws in Illinois?

Negligent security laws in Illinois hold property owners or managers accountable for failing to provide adequate security measures. Victims can seek compensation through negligent security claims when these failures lead to injuries or damages.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Negligent Security Cases in Illinois?

The statute of limitations for negligent security cases in Illinois is generally two years from the date of the incident. Failing to file a lawsuit within this timeframe may result in the loss of the right to pursue the claim.

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